Govt tables new bill to combat sex crimes against children

JOHOR BARU –  The government tabled amendments pertaining to the laws surrounding sexual offences against minors in Parliament today.

According to a statement by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman, the first phase of amendments involves changes to the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 and the Evidence of Child Witness Act 2007.

The proposed amendments include replacing the term “child pornography” with “materials involving child sexual abuse” to comply with current global practice.

Additionally, Putrajaya seeks to also render sexual performances by children and sexual extortion of children as new offences.

The law would also see new provisions to ensure child victims of sexual crimes receive compensation.

Furthermore, the Sexual Offences Against Children Act would apply to all children up until the age of 18.

Meanwhile, under the Evidence of Child Witness Act, the amendments proposed would give powers to the court to prevent improper questions towards child witnesses.

Furthermore, courts would also have the power to accept video evidence from children in special hearings to be accepted during witness examinations.

Azalina said that under the second phase, the legal amendments would concern the competency of child witnesses, abolishing the need to corroborate a child witness’ testimony.

The first phase of amendments was tabled for the first reading in Parliament today while the second reading is scheduled for this current parliamentary session.

As for the second phase, Azalina said the amendments are expected to be tabled during the next parliamentary session after discussions with the Bar Council. –  The Vibes, March 27, 2023